Poliomyelitis Disorder Polio is a disorder caused by a viral infection (poliovirus) that can affect the whole body, including muscles and nerves. Severe causes may cause permanent paralysis or death. It is a communicable disease cause by infection with the poliovirus. Transmission of the virus occurs by direct person-to-person contact, by contact with infected secretions from the nose or mouth, or by contact with infected feces. The virus enters through the mouth and nose, multiplies in the throat and intestinal tract, and then is absorbed and spread through the blood and lymph system. Kills the motor neurons in the body. From the time a person is infected to the time symptoms begin to show is days. There are three basic patterns of polio infection: subclinical infections, nonparalytic, and paralytic.

Subclinical Infections Slight fever Headache General discomfort and uneasiness Sore throat Red throat Vomiting Last about 72 hours

Nonparalytic Infections Moderate fever Headache Vomiting Diarrhea Excessive tiredness Irritability Pain or stiffness of the back, arms, legs, abdomen muscle and spasm in any are of the body Neck, back, legs pain Skin rash or lesion with pain Muscle stiffness Symptoms last 1 to 2 weeks

Paralytic Infections Headache Stiff neck and back Sensitivity to touch Difficulty beginning or urinate Constipation Breathing difficulty Poor temper control Last about 5-7 days before other symptoms

Treatment Control symptoms while the infection runs its course Antibiotics may be used to treat urinary tract infections Medications such as bethanechol may reduce urinary retention Pain killers are used to reduce headache, muscle pain and spasms Moist heat, heating pads, and towels are used to reduce muscle pain

Bibliography Medline Plus. 1March.2006http://nlm.nih.gov/medlineplu s/ency/article/ htm#visualContenthttp://nlm.nih.gov/medlineplu s/ency/article/ htm#visualContent The March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation.14 March.2006http:// /professionals/681_1283.asphttp:// /professionals/681_1283.asp